might almost double the productiveness and quality of many of his
varieties.

Victoria (known also as May's Victoria, and having a half-dozen other
synonymes) is a distinct variety, whose great value consists in its
lengthening out the currant season two or three weeks after the above-
named kinds have matured. The fruit is also large--between the Red
Dutch and Cherry in size--exceedingly abundant, and although rather
acid, of good flavor when fully ripe. The clusters are very long--
from five to seven inches--tapering, and the berries are bright red.
If it is grown in some moist, cool, half-shady location, the bunches
will hang on the bushes very late in the season. In many localities it
is found very profitable, since it need not be sold until the others
are out of the market. The young branches are rather slender, but the
plant itself is vigorous, and can be grown at less expense than the
Cherry.

There are many other named varieties, but in the majority of instances
the distinctions between them are slight, and as they are waning
before the finer varieties that I have described, I shall not attempt
to lighten the shadows that are gathering around them. The future
promises more than the past, and I think that, before many years pass,
some fine new kinds will be introduced.

The enemies and diseases of the currant will be treated in a later
chapter.